Comparative Literature

Comparative Literature
BA
Hours38 - 58 Credit Hours
MAPMajor Academic Plan

Program Requirements

It is strongly recommended that StDev 317, a 1-credit-hour course, be taken at the end of the sophomore year or the beginning of the junior year. Because liberal arts degrees provide preparation in a variety of useful fields rather than a single career track, this course is recommended to help liberal arts students focus on specific educational and occupational goals and to identify the career options or educational opportunities available to them. The course will introduce them to the resources needed for accessing information about graduate schools, internships, careers, and career development. Students will learn basic employment strategies, including the steps necessary for obtaining employment related to their own specialty.
Acquire a thorough knowledge of two language traditions relevant to individual program of study (one of these may be English for students who emphasize the Anglo-American literary tradition) (approximately 16-32 hours). Competence will normally be demonstrated in course work, but an examination may be required. If planning advanced work in comparative literature, students should gain reading knowledge of both an additional modern language and a classical language.
Complete a reading list (determined in consultation with a faculty advisor) and submit a writing portfolio. During the final semester enroll in CmLit 497 to complete a written examination on the reading list and to have the portfolio reviewed. CmLit 201 & 202, or 211 & 212, are strongly recommended, in part because the reading list core consists of texts treated in these courses. Students who do not complete a literature-based civilization sequence are at a disadvantage in working systematically through the list.
Course configuration must be approved by department advisor.
requirement 1 Complete 1 course
requirement 2 Complete 1 option
Note: CmLit 310 and a reading knowledge of at least one foreign language are prerequisite to all upper-division comparative literature courses. In addition, completion of CmLit 342 and three comparative literature 400-level seminars is prerequisite to 497.
Complete IHum 311: Advanced Writing in Comparative Arts and Humanities or another GE-approved Advanced Written and Oral Communication course.
requirement 3 Complete 1 option
option 3.1 Complete 5 courses
Note: While variety is recommended, students may take more than one section of the same "R" suffix courses (e.g., two 420Rs, etc.).
requirement 5 Complete 1 option
The following courses deal with texts in the original language. These courses must be in addition to previous requirements. Although English courses may be taken, courses must be taken in at least one other language as well.
option 5.1 Complete 12.0 hours from the following course(s)
ENGL 364 - (Not currently offered)
HEB 431 - (Not currently offered)
Program Outcomes

Foreign Language Proficiency

Demonstrate the ability to analyze a literary text in at least one language in addition to English.

Literary History and Traditions

Articulate a sound understanding of the broad outlines of western literary history, including the place of Classical Greek and Roman literature within its development, and demonstrate familiarity with the Asian tradition; know the literary traditions of two languages well enough to successfully complete course work and a reading list, chosen in consultation with a faculty adviser.

Literary Analysis and Writing

Use tools and methods of literary analysis central to the discipline of Comparative Literature to read, analyze, and interpret literary texts closely and critically, and in the original language, and to communicate that analysis through clear and persuasive writing.

Researching Problems in Literary Studies

Identify and research a problem in literary study by gaining an understanding of the state of knowledge surrounding the issue, analyzing the primary and secondary sources relevant to it, and formulating and following a method appropriate to the problem.